About Oriental

No lines, No waiting, No beltways or interstates, just leisure living at its best.

Incorporated in 1899, Oriental is known as the sailing capital of North Carolina. Home to approximately 3,000 boats (mostly sailboats), there are more boats than the 875 year round residents of this small town. Known by it’s location at Mile Marker 182 of the Intra-Coastal Waterway, Oriental is a favorite stopping point for cruisers heading North or South.

Some other facts/information about Oriental:
• Home to both aspiring and world renowned artists, photographers, galleries, shops, marinas, boatyards, sailing regattas, fishing tournaments, paddle trails, and abundant wildlife.
• Home to the Croaker Festival ... exciting small town originality in a Fourth of July Festival.
• Home to The Spirit of Christmas ... all the warmth of a small town American celebration.
• Home to the Dragon Walk, when, on every New Year's Eve ... the mysterious and hilariously scary dragon parades with pomp, circumstance and frivolity.
• A place to sail, a place to retire, a place to start a business, a place to fish, a place to paddle, a place to play.
• Widest river in America is here, where the Neuse River meets the Pamlico Sound
• In 1917 the first motorized school bus in NC rolled down the streets of Oriental
• Dawson’s Creek, the TV show was written by screenwriter ("Scream") Kevin Williamson, a native of Oriental. Much of the show was filmed at our very own Dawson Creek, from which he got his inspiration for the show.